In his complaint filed with the city clerk's office, Harrington says Hobart violated the Code of Fair Campaign Practices by spreading false rumors about Harrington’s “record and policies” in a mass email send to voters on Feb. 7.

Hobart suggests in the email to voters that Harrington, Kate Spates and Bob Mueller are all CV Link supporters attempting to take over the council seats in order to reintroduce the topic to city voters. Hobart also claims that former Goldenvoice COO Skip Paige, who is dating candidate Kate Spates, has vocally supported the CV Link in the past and is puppeteering the CV Link-supporting candidates.

When asked about Harrington's complaint, Hobart reiterated his claims to The Desert Sun.

"The fact is, they are all in the same CV Link boat, but my hunch is that they do not share paddles,” Hobart said.

Michael Harrington(Photo: Submitted)

Hobart's email to voters states that Paige's "efforts to change our council make-up confirm a long-term plan to maneuver CV Link in Rancho Mirage."

"When and if they get their people elected to our city council, they will then be able to pass a motion scheduling a new public vote on CV Link’s entry into the city," Hobart wrote in his missive. "Re-electing the incumbents will send a strong message demonstrating our commitment to remain in charge of our city’s destiny."

He also urged voters to re-elect all three incumbents, which include himself, Iris Smotrich and Charles Townsend.

“If I understand correctly, this alleged attorney is claiming that my 100 percent accurate Feb. 7 email insinuates in some oblique fashion that he is carrying the water for Skip Paige, Kathleen Spates and Tom Kirk (of CVAG) in this Rancho Mirage election,” Hobart said. “Frankly, I think they would be inconsolable if there was any truth to the charges by my publicity-seeking adversary (Harrington)."

Hobart said that during the 2016 city council election, Harrington expressed his support for CV Link. But Harrington has said that is false.

Rancho Mirage City Clerk Kristie Ramos said the complaint has been forwarded to City Attorney Steve Quintanilla for review.

Desert Sun reporter Nicole Hayden covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at Nicole.Hayden@desertsun.com or (760) 778-4623. Follow her on Twitter @nicoleandpig.